Comorbid alcohol dependence and depression

Research evidence shows that depression is very common among individuals wi th alcohol dependence, and that the comorbidity between these disorders is considered to be a critical risk factor for suicidal ideation and behavior. Although the etiological mechanisms involved in this comorbidity remain to be deciphered, recent advances have been made in pharmacologic treatment o ptions and in investigations that target the elderly. Curr Opin Psychiatry 13:87-91. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.